Frostbite protection strips

ABSTRACT

A method and product for reducing the risk of frostbite on the cheeks and nose while simultaneously providing a promotional opportunity is provided. The solution offers two thermal insulating strips for each cheek and one strip sized to conformingly fit over the nose. The two strips for the cheeks are applied about one-quarter of an inch below the eyes. The nose strip adheres directly to the contour of one&#39;s nose, in an air-tight nature and extends from the root to the tip with substantial surface area to cover the lateral sides. The backbone of the strips is a tight weave thermal insulating fabric which provides warmth. The fabric is laminated to a backing of low density polyethylene, which protects from moisture and high winds. The adhesive is hypoallergenic and is designed to hold firmly, but to remove easily without damaging the skin. The strips can be branded for promotional opportunities.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the protection of parts of the human face from the damage caused by frostbite.

BACKGROUND

At or below 32° F. (0° C.) or as a result of exposure to high winds, blood vessels close to the skin start to constrict as blood is shifted away from the extremities. This constriction helps to preserve core body temperature, however in extreme cold or when one is exposed for long periods of time, this reduction in blood flow can be extremely dangerous. This lack of blood leads to the eventual freezing and death of skin tissue. This is known as frostbite and the face is one of the most susceptible areas. Naturally, those who work outside in the cold or engage in cold-weather sports are the most at risk if they aren't adequately prepared. Today's solutions to protect oneself from frostbite to the face consist of scarves, face masks, balaclavas, neck gaiters and other face coverings. While these face coverings are adequate for keeping the face protected from the cold, they suffer from numerous inadequacies. Commonly stated concerns include face coverings can freeze up, inhibit vision, fog goggle lenses and many people just find them too restrictive, uncomfortable or cumbersome for their work or recreational activity. There is another segment that does not employ face protection because it is found to be unattractive or not cool. Additionally, face coverings may leave a gap between it and goggles. Cold and wind can pass through the gap, defeating the purpose and leaving areas of skin vulnerable to frostbite.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this utility is to overcome the shortcoming of existing face protection and to shield the most susceptible parts of the face, the cheeks and nose from frostbite.

This application proposes a simple, effective and attractive solution that can protect the face from frostbite on its own or in combination with existing face protection products on the market. The solution provides two thermal insulating strips for each cheek and one insulating strip sized to conformingly fit over the nose. The two strips for the cheeks would be positioned about one-quarter of an inch below the eyes and adjacent to the base of the lateral side of the nose. The nose strip would adhere directly to the contour of a person's nose, in an air-tight nature and extend from the root to the tip with substantial surface area to cover the lateral sides.

Although, the primary object of the present invention is to provide protection to the face from frostbite, it also offers a promotional opportunity. The strips are a low cost means to increase brand awareness, differentiate a product or promote team spirit. They can be employed to promote a resort, school, team, sports apparel or equipment manufacturer or distributor in an effective manner. This and other objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection of the detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a front schematic view of a winter outdoor enthusiast or worker having frostbite protection strips applied to the cheeks and nose in a clearly defined shape in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the frostbite protection strips to be applied to the cheeks;

FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the frostbite protection strip to be applied to the nose;

FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the frostbite protection strips of the present invention as described;

FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of frostbite protection strips for both the cheeks and nose prior to usage on the supporting sheet; and

FIG. 6. FIG. 6 illustrates the promotional opportunity according to the invention. The snowflakes represent the resort, school, sports apparel or equipment manufacturer or distributor's logo.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

Frostbite protection strips are a simple, unique and fun concept that overcomes the shortcoming of existing face coverings and shields the most susceptible parts of the face, the cheeks and nose from frostbite. It is especially valuable to those who work outside in the cold or engage in cold-weather sports and are the most at risk if they aren't adequately prepared.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a human face with the predefined geometric shapes 10, 12, 18 of the frostbite protection strips sized and shaped to fit on each of the cheeks and nose. Application of the frostbite protection strip to skin is achieved by pressing the adhesive surface of the frostbite protection strip firmly against the skin to engage the pressure sensitive adhesive. The exact positioning on the human face is not the same for each person as the location is dependent on the size of the head, nose and facial contours. It should also be understood that the frostbite protection strips disclosed herein can be made in different sizes to suit diverse users and the dimensions of the frostbite protection strips can be adapted while keeping with the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the predefined geometric shapes of the frostbite protection strips to be applied to the cheeks. Application of the frostbite protection strip to the cheeks is achieved by pressing the adhesive surface of the frostbite protection strip firmly against the skin to engage the pressure sensitive adhesive. Although, the exact positioning is not the same for each person, for most, the cheek strips are applied about one-quarter of an inch below the eyes and adjacent to the base of the lateral side of the nose.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the predefined geometric shapes of the frostbite protection strip to be applied to the nose. Application of the frostbite protection strip to the nose is achieved by pressing the adhesive surface of the frostbite protection strip firmly against the skin to engage the pressure sensitive adhesive. The nose strip would adhere directly to the contour of a person's nose and extend from the root to the tip and cover the lateral sides. Frostbite protection strips do not cover the nostrils and thus do not lead to breathing and ventilation problems, including the fogging of goggles.

FIG. 4 presents a preferred embodiment of the frostbite protection strips of the present invention. The frostbite protection strips are constructed of two flexible, light and sturdy layers 20, 22, 24, 26 and an adhesive 28, 30: an outer first layer of low-density polyethylene 20, 22 offering aesthetics, printability, elasticity, strength and wind and moisture resistance; and an inner second layer 24, 26 of a tight weave thermal insulating fabric to hold heat. The outer first layer 20, 22 is such that it can be imprinted with a name or logo. The strips secure to the face via a hypoallergenic pressure-sensitive adhesive 28, 30 that is designed to hold firmly, but to remove easily without damaging the skin. Frostbite protection strips are meant to be employed once and then discarded. The result is affordable, light, flexible, durable and more attractive means to protect the face from frostbite.

FIG. 5 illustrates that the frostbite protection strips for both the cheeks and nose come on a supporting sheet 32. The strips 34, 36, 38 have been die-cut, being held in place before use with the adhesive. The strips 34, 36, 38 can be easily peeled off the supporting sheet 32 to be applied to the face.

FIG. 6 illustrates the innovative promotional and branding opportunity that is offered by frostbite protection strips. The repeating pattern of snowflakes represents the would-be name and/or logo of a resort, school, team, sports apparel or equipment manufacturer or distributor. The name and/or logo would be in a contrasting color to the tape, creating high visibility. Frostbite protection strips offer an innovative and low cost means to increase awareness, differentiate a product or promote team spirit.

It will thus be seen that according to the present invention a highly advantageous yet simple method and product are provided to protect and to shield the most susceptible parts of the face, the cheeks and nose from frostbite while simultaneously providing a promotional opportunity. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A product for protection of a human's nose and cheeks from the damage caused by frostbite, comprising: two thermal insulating strips shaped to fit snugly over the cheeks; adhered about one-quarter of an inch below the eyes and adjacent to the base of the lateral side of the nose; one thermal insulating strip that would adhere directly to the contour of a person's nose, in an air-tight nature and extend from the root to the tip with substantial surface area to cover the lateral sides; two flexible, light and sturdy layers: an outer first layer of low-density polyethylene which protects from moisture and high winds; and an inner second layer of tight weave thermal insulating fabric to provide strength and warmth; and a hypoallergenic adhesive that is designed to hold firmly, but to remove easily without damaging the skin; and a figure reproduced on the frostbite protection strips, the figure comprising a contrasting color to the tape, wherein the figure is intended for promotional opportunities.
 2. The frostbite protection strips of claim 1, wherein the figure is a resort, school, team, sports apparel or equipment manufacturer or distributor's name and/or logo. 